Don’t appreciate courts for ruling, judgment, judge tells lawyers

A judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Peter Affen has said the habit of lawyers commending the court after ruling or judgment is wrong and should be corrected.

Justice Affen said when a judge delivers a ruling or judgment, it should be the cap on the matter and thus, it is wrong for lawyers to stand up in the court to thank the court for a “well-considered judgment.”

He made this observation last week after upholding the no-case submission filed by Dr. Fortune Fiberesima, a former medical aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said, “What you are obligated to say is ‘as the court pleases,’” adding that lawyers that have anything to say on the ruling or judgment were at liberty to write a case review of the matter, which gives room for expression.

“Until we have what it takes to hold our leaders accountable, nothing will change. It is the duty of the court to deliver a wellconsidered ruling. So, what is the essence of singing its praises after the decision?

“When the court finishes, don’t reopen the case with your ‘thank you for a well-considered judgment,’ every judge’s duty is to give a well-considered ruling,” he said.

Justice Affen added that the best practices in other jurisdictions across the world is for lawyers to either write a case review or when dissatisfied, appeal against the judgment or ruling.

He made this observation last week after upholding the no-case submission filed by Dr. Fortune Fiberesima, a former medical aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Fiberesima was alleged to have abused his position as the Chief Physician to the President in 2012 in awarding contracts to companies where he had interests.